Comparison of meat products' composition bearing/not-bearing claims marketed in the Czech Republic
2011
Steinhauserova, P., Veterinarni a Farmaceuticka Univ., Brno (Czech Republic). Ustav Hygieny a Technologie Mleka | Rehurkova, I., Statni Zdravotni Ustav, Brno (Czech Republic). Centrum Zdravi, Vyzivy a Potravin | Ruprich, J., Veterinarni a Farmaceuticka Univ., Brno (Czech Republic). Ustav Hygieny a Technologie Mleka
The aim of this study was to analyse the occurrence and specific composition of meat products (MPs) bearing nutrition/health claims marketed in the Czech Republic. MPs were analysed for fat content, fatty acids (FA) composition and sodium content. The compliance with legal requirements (Regulation EC No 1924/2006) and information stated on the product was checked. This study is the first one in the Czech Republic dealing with this issue. Among hundreds of marketed MPs, we observed only a limited number of MPs bearing claims. We analysed and compared chemical composition of 12 MPs bearing nutrition claims to 5 identical brand products without any claim. None of the claims dealt with reduced amount of Na/salt content and none was evaluated as an explicit health claim. Most of the mentioned nutrition claims were declared as "Fit, Fitness, Light, Wellness, With low/reduced fat". Only one claim mentioned "omega3 FA addition". All analytical results, except one product with claim "Low/reduced fat" or "Light" (if connected with fat reduction), corresponded to the legal requirements and information stated on the product. Three statements on the products associated with Na/salt content did not correspond to the amount measured in the sample. When comparing MPs "with" and "without" nutrition claim, lightly reduced fat or added amount of omega3 FA was recognized only in one product with claim. Other indicators, such as Na/salt content, better FA profile or more evident fat reduction were not found. The results of our study show that claims such as "Healthier, Fit, Fitness or Wellness" may be considered as somewhat misleading for consumers.
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